Jazz for aficionados


Jazz for aficionados

I'm going to review records in my collection, and you'll be able to decide if they're worthy of your collection. These records are what I consider "must haves" for any jazz aficionado, and would be found in their collections. I wont review any record that's not on CD, nor will I review any record if the CD is markedly inferior. Fortunately, I only found 1 case where the CD was markedly inferior to the record.

Our first album is "Moanin" by Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers. We have Lee Morgan , trumpet; Benney Golson, tenor sax; Bobby Timmons, piano; Jymie merrit, bass; Art Blakey, drums.

The title tune "Moanin" is by Bobby Timmons, it conveys the emotion of the title like no other tune I've ever heard, even better than any words could ever convey. This music pictures a person whose down to his last nickel, and all he can do is "moan".

"Along Came Betty" is a tune by Benny Golson, it reminds me of a Betty I once knew. She was gorgeous with a jazzy personality, and she moved smooth and easy, just like this tune. Somebody find me a time machine! Maybe you knew a Betty.

While the rest of the music is just fine, those are my favorite tunes. Why don't you share your, "must have" jazz albums with us.

Enjoy the music.
orpheus10

From the same record.
This brought to mind a recent discussion about the “worthiness” of drum solos. Why it’s even debatable is a mystery to me. Anyway, I think the reason that some react the way they do to drum solos is that drummers have the least amount of musical “cushion”. IOW, generally when horn players solo they have a constant underpinning of harmony and rhythm that gives them more freedom to get outside the musical parameters of the form of any particular tune. Keeps things on track for the listener. When a drummer solos he has nothing. Totally naked. So, he has to get creative and tell a musical story without harmony or melody expression. Only rhythm. He can’t stray too far from the overall vibe of the tune or the solo won’t make sense to many listeners. Something that is basic to any instrumentalist, but especially so for drummers. Check out Philly Joe Jone’s solo on this. Every bit as interesting as any horn solo.

https://youtu.be/Iq4hJH1DtdI

 

@frogman  Thanks for that post on drum solos. You know I've always liked drum solos and think they were/are a jazz tradition and will always be a jazz constant.

I have been to so many live jazz shows at all of the NYC jazz clubs that I have lost count. One thing for sure is that every show features a drum solo.

One of my favorites with a great drum solo by a great drummer. Opens up with some really good drum play as well.

(202) Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers - Bu's Delight - YouTube